On May 2007, Buick launched their new SUV model for 2008: the Buick Enclave. Buick is a division of General Motors. This new model is partly based on Buick Centieme and is a full-size luxury crossover SUV. Buick Enclave replaced other Buick SUV’s like the minivan-based Rendezvous, the truck-based Rainer, as well as the Terraza minivan. Similar to the GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse and Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave also uses the new GM Lambda platform.

The Buick Enclave has a seating capacity of 7 passengers, and has an optional second row bench. This increases its seating capacity to eight. It has almost the same platform and mechanical underpinning with the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse. Though, it comes with a standard front-wheel drive with an option of an all wheel drive.

The Enclave also shares power trains with its Lambda siblings. On its first year of production, the Enclave was powered by a 275 hp (205 kW) 3.6 L High Feature V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. And according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency this direct-injection engine is praised for offering a broader torque curve, bringing fuel economy to 17 mpg-us (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg-imp)/24 mpg-US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg-imp) for FWD models and 16 mpg-US (15 L/100 km; 19 mpg-imp)/22 mpg-US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg-imp) for AWD models. While the 2009 model, have 3.6L V6 SIDI (direct injected) VVT with 286 hp (213 kW) and 255ft. lb (346 N.m) of torque standard.

The production of the Enclave started on 11 April 2007, with their first vehicle reaching certain dealers by the end of the month. It has a starting price of $32,790. But with this model, GM has also stepped up their warranty. Instead of 4-years/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper basic warranty, they increased it to 5-year/100,000-mile power train coverage. Lambda vehicles are built at GM’s new Delta Township Assembly plant near Lansing Michigan.

Enclave was considered the largest unibody vehicle because it is 1inch (25mm) longer than its Lambda sibling. Many people admired the Enclave because of its subsequently huge cargo space maintaining its dynamic nature of unibody construction. It is also considered as on of the quietest vehicle available in the United States. It is also often referred to as the best vehicle GM ever made. It is also being praised for its good looks.

But because of its 6-speed transmission, the Enclave was often criticized because of its uncertain downshift. On 2009, its power train was even more competent having more abundant torque. For its entire production, weighing nearly 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) with all-wheel-drive it has been regarded as too heavy.